Mianserin: determination of therapeutic dose range

Mianserin hydrochloride is a tetracyclic antidepressant with an EEG and clinical activity profile similar to amitriptyline. To investigate the drug's optimal dosage range, a 6-week open comparative trial sequentially assigned 12 depressed patients to one of three dose ranges (60, 90 and 120 mg). Improvement occurred in depressive symptomatology in all three treatment groups. There was no differential improvement noted in any group; however, the incidence of adverse effects was greater in the middle (90 mg) and high (120 mg) dose ranges.